In 2007, I picked up an IJM brochure at a California church I was visiting. I came home to Idaho, ordered both of IJM President Gary Haugen's books and read them within weeks. The reality of modern-day slavery and human trafficking overwhelmed me - the darkness of the issue paralyzed me.

MUMBAI, INDIA – As IJM and police arrived, an auto rickshaw sped away from the lodge that was doubling as a brothel. The girls had been ordered to leave immediately, as the manager feared the rescue team that was on its way.

SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA – Last week, four perpetrators were convicted for sex trafficking crimes. Two had been involved in transporting girls from one province to another, and two owned the karaoke bar where girls were then sold for sexual exploitation.

NAIROBI, KENYA – This week, Dominic was released from prison after languishing there for 8 months. He had been charged with Robbery with Violence and incarcerated, despite the fact that not a single witness ever stepped forward to substantiate the charges against him.

KIGALI, RWANDA – Last week, a young man was convicted for sexually assaulting a 4-year-old girl. He had been raised as an adoptive brother to the little girl, making the abuse all the more painful for the family.